(Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW staff

danger zone

Avalanche warning issued for Western Canada

Dec 23, 2020 | 11:20 AM

Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada and Kananaskis Country, has issued a special public avalanche warning for much of Western Canada.

An avalanche warning for recreational users of backcountry and front-country avalanche terrain is in effect immediately until Dec. 27. The warning is widespread and applies to the following forecasted regions:

• Kootenay-Boundary
• South Columbia
• North Columbia
• Purcells
• Cariboos
• North Rockies
• South Rockies
• Lizard Range-Flathead
• Banff National Park
• Yoho National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Waterton National Park
• Kananaskis Country

Officials say the snowpack in these regions includes a weak layer below the snow surface. Recent storms in Western Canada added sufficient snow above this layer and brought the snowpack to a tipping point where large avalanches can be easily triggered by people on snowshoes, skis or snowmobile.

Backcountry users and anyone recreating in avalanche terrain, including those going outside ski area boundaries, are advised to exercise caution and stick to low-angle or densely forested slopes.

Looking at Options

Sylvan Lake council to vote on exploring city status

48m ago

hap-hap-happiest christmas awaits

Annual 'Spruce Up the Holidays' event at Pine Lake goes this Saturday

2h ago

Budget day 2

Red Deer city council approves 3.97 per cent tax rate increase

15h ago

Check avalanche.ca for current avalanche information before travelling in the backcountry. Everyone in a backcountry party needs to have the essential rescue gear – transceiver, probe and shovel – and the knowledge to use it.